For the first time, H5N1 bird flu near sheep in Great Britain was detected!

For the first time, H5N1 bird flu near sheep in Great Britain was detected!

Yorkshire, Großbritannien - In the UK, a historical case of H5N1 bird flu was registered with a sheep. This is the first confirmed case of this kind in England and was discovered as part of routine surveillance on a farm in Yorkshire. The H5N1 virus near birds had previously been detected on the same farm. Despite this discovery, the authorities emphasize that there is no increased risk of the British cattle stock.

The incident comes at a time when H5N1 has already occurred in different user and wild animals in other countries. According to the information from Kosmo , the virus has affected numerous mammals worldwide, including bears, cats, dogs and even some humanity. Cases in humans range from symptomless infections to fatal courses, although so far there are no confirmed human-to-human transmission.

risk assessment and reaction of the authorities

Meera Chand from the British Health Authority Ukhsa said that the risk of the general population remains low. This is also supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), which assesses the risk to the general population as low. The EU Health Authority ECDC and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) already warned of a growing threat from bird flu viruses at the end of January.

In response to the H5N1 outbreaks, especially for dairy cows in the USA, the British Ministry of Environment has tightened the monitoring of farm animals. These measures aim to ensure the safety of the animal stocks and to minimize health risks for the population.

global situation and recommendations

according to the information of the rki it is unclear whether the bird Influenzavirus can be genetically adapted in order to be transmitted from person to person. So far, the influenza viruses A (H5N1) and A (H7N9) have not shown any human-to-human transmission, whereby in particular people with close contact with infected useful poultry are strongest.

The general risk for the population is considered very low. Millions of birds worldwide are regularly affected by influenza A (H5N1), but only a few hundred confirmed human cases were recorded. So far, no cases of avian influenza have been known in people in Germany. Suspicion of illness, diseases and deaths from bird flu viruses are subject to reporting, which supports a comprehensive surveillance system.

The population is also asked not to touch the sick or died wild birds or (wild) animals to minimize potential risks.